Check out how WD updated one deserving mother's look

Before the Makeover

Before the Makeover

Robin Johnstone, like most moms, is perfectly happy putting her own needs aside to look after her family. What is unusual is that, over the years, the family she and husband Tom have raised has included more than 20 foster children. "I've always felt a need to help children, and opening up our home to them has been a great experience," Robin says. When her daughter Madelyn Johnstone wrote to us about the good work her mother's doing to help women in need, we decided to honor the mom of six and foster parent with a Mother's Day makeover.

Her Story

Her Story

A very blended family

In addition to the many kids the family has fostered since 1993, the Johnstones have three daughters of their own (Elizabeth, Madelyn and Mary) as well as three adopted sons (Richard, Marc and Emmitt), who have lived with them since birth. "When we were fostering Richard and Marc we didn't realize that adopting was an option," Robin explains. "As soon as we found out it was, Tom and I knew we couldn't bear to part with them—and when Emmitt came along, we felt the same way."

Finding new purpose

In late 2009, Robin decided she wanted to do more to help people in need. First the John-stones sponsored a local family through the StreetLight Mission in Elizabeth, NJ, taking up a collection to provide the children with Christmas gifts. Then Robin teamed up with friend Melina Thompson to found Missions Possible, an organization that helps struggling single mothers. "We provide furniture and household items," Robin explains. "Most of the time, it's me and Melina unloading U-Haul vans full of mattresses and couches."

Taking some "me" time

The hard work hasn't gone unnoticed—especially by Robin's daughter Madelyn, who reached out to Woman's Day to tell us about her mother's good work. "I'd love to see my mom featured in your magazine, because I think she really deserves it," Madelyn wrote. We agreed, so we took Robin to the Eva Scrivo Salon in New York City for a new cut and color. Next, it was off to the photo shoot, where she got a new outfit. "We've never had a professional photographer take pictures of us as a family," Robin says. "This was an amazing experience."